Jenna let out a high pitched squeal and did a little jump up and down to show her excitement.
“I’m picking up the rest of the group so we can all meet there.” She explained. “Or grab some dinner beforehand at Eddie Burgers?
“No, no, no. Let’s just meet there. If I’ve got to get these guys to dinner AND a concert I’m going to miss the concert for sure.” Dylan fake scowled.
We all laughed.
“Maybe we could pack some picnic hampers and take some blankets? Then we could sit down by the lake, watch the concert and eat at the same time?” Raul suggested.
Everyone agreed with the idea and nodded enthusiastically.
“Let me get a photo!” I exclaimed.
“Why?” Eamon asked.
“I don’t know, this just feels like a photo opportunity.” I shrugged as I swiped the camera app on my phone and held it up ready to take a shot.
Everyone jostled each other to get into a pose. I stepped back onto the footpath to take the photo, but collided with someone, causing both of us to drop our phones on the pavement.
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“So sorry!” I quickly bent down to pick up the phones and stood up to see a tall dark haired stranger in front of me.
“No problem.” He responded and smiled.
Holding his phone out to him, I noticed that his eyes were an electric blue, vibrant and shimmering. His hair was ruffled like he’d just got out of bed and he wore a loose T-shirt with khaki shorts and converse sneakers. As he reached for his device, our fingers touched and I felt a surge of energy run up through my hand. Shocked, I quickly pulled my hand back, almost dropping my phone again. He looked at me quizzically.
“Thank you.” He said, colour filling his cheeks as he stepped backwards, away from me.
“You’re thanking me for almost knocking you over?” I laughed nervously.
“No, for this.” He motioned to his phone. “My life depends on it.” His smile faded and his eyes darted around, searching the car park for something.
“Are you new here?” Dylan called out.
“You could say that.” The stranger responded, turning to look at Dylan and the group.
“Maybe you could take the photo for us?” Eamon asked. “Then Ariah could be in it too.”
He looked at me. “Ariah?” He looked shocked.
“Yep, that’s me.” I smiled up at him, wishing that I didn’t feel so awkward.
“Yes, it’s definitely her. Can you please take the picture so we can all go about our days?” Raul laughed.
The stranger looked at the group, then back at me. He hesitated, obviously he wanted a way out but thought better of it. I held up my phone to encourage him to take it.
“Yeah…yes, sure.” Grabbing my phone, he took a large step backwards to fit everyone into the shot and I went and stood next to Dylan who slung his arm causally over my shoulders.
“Ready?”